Electric locomotive



(No Model.) s sneets-sneet 1.

G. W. MANSFIELD; BLEGTRIG LOOOMOTIV-E.

No. 424,070. Patented Mar. 25, 1890.

N. PETERS. Phdlwliilhngwher. Walhington. D. C.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

GEORGE W. MANSFIELD, OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS.

ELECTRIC. LOCOMOTIVE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 424,070, dated March 25, 1890.

Application filed December 1, 1888. Serial No. 292,374. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern/.-

Beit known that I, GEORGE W. MANSFIELD, a citizen of the United States, residing at Boston, in the county of Suffolk and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Electric Locomotors, of which the following is such a full, clear, and exact description as will enable any one skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming part of this specification.

My invention relates more especially to electric locomotors, though it may be readily applied to any kind of locomotor.

The chief objects of the invention are to sustain one or more motors in operative position in driving connection with the axle or axles of the locomotor in such manner that, first, the motor-gearing may be unaifected by the swiveling or-oscillating movements, which may be of any desired range of the axles or merits of any preferred degree between the swinging supporting-frame and the axles or trucks of therunning-gear under the horizontal swiveling or oscillating movements of the axles or trucks in taking a curve.

The invention ffurther' consists in the certain novel and peculiar arrangements and some forms thereof so far devised by me, with the knowledge, however, that the same may be variously modified without making a substantial departure from the spirit of my invention.

In the said drawings, in which like numbers of reference designate like and corresponding parts throughout, Figure l is a plan View of the running-gear of a locomotor embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a side view of the same, partly in full and partly in section, on a central vertical plane. Fig. 3 is a plan view of a running-gear having two motors driving the same axle, and it shows how the swinging supporting-frame may be extended to accommodate the additional motors. Fig. 4 is a side view of a form of movable connection intermediate the motor and swinging frame. Figs. 5, 7, and 9 are partial views, partly in section and partly in full, of details of the apparatus; and Figs. 6 and 8 are end views of Figs. 5 and 7, respectively, as will be clearly understood from the description hereinafter given.

Referring to the drawings, the numerals 6 6 designate the ordinary car or truck wheels secured to the axles 7 7, which have their ends suitably journaled in the pedestals 8 8,

mounted upon the car or locomotor sill 9.

As is well known, the tendency of the axle is to turn or swivel about a vertical axis, and this tendency is indulged to a limited extent by virtue of the lateral play of the ends of the axle in the pedestals/ I11 most constructions the axles are held practically in fixed relation. This obviously calls for a short wheelbase and a great consumption of power to overcome the friction of the wheel-flange on the curved rails. Again, there are other serious objections to having the motor made fast to a frame or support that rigidly connects the axles.

By my invention I leave the axles or trucks perfectly free to undergo their independent swiveling motions. At the same time the motor or motors readily follow the movements of the axle driven thereby and shift on the supporting-frame, to which the motor or motors are movably connected, the frame being suitably swung to the running-gea1u Thus these swinging parts may have a comparatively wide range of movement, which is only limited by practical requirements. To accomplish this I swing the supporting-frame 10 from the axles or trucks of the running-gear, so that the axles or trucks'are left independent and can themselves swivel or turn in the horizontal relatively to the connected frame, and I secure the motor to the driven axle and movably connect the motorto the supportingframe in a manner that is evident from the drawings. This supporting-frame 10 is swung to the running-gear of the vehicle and is wholly independent of the body thereof.

In the constructionswhere I swing the supporting-frame to the axles an intermediate yoke or hanger 1.1 is adopted, since the rotation of the axles will prevent a more direct connection therewith. The yoke or hanger, of which I show several forms, may be of any preferred suitable construction, the requirements being that the axle shall turn freely in the same, and the supporting-frame shall be so connected thereto that the frame and yoke may swing on each other in moving over a curve. The pivotal axis of the yoke and frame-joint is shown as coincident with the vertical axis about which the axles swivel, though the invention is not restricted to this especial arrangement.

The yoke 11, (shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 9,) is a rigid U-shaped member swung from the axle 7, and the respective ends of the supporting-frame 10 are swiveled about at the centers of the yokes by means of the vertically-disposed pin 12, which passes through the yoke and frame, and is provided with suitable washer and nut. In the construction shown in Figs. 5 and 6 the yoke or hanger 11 is a single member swung freely from about the center of the axle 7, with the lower end thereof formed cylindrical and provided with screw-threads. The lower end of this hanger takes loosely through an enlarged eye 27 in the supporting-frame 10, which is attached to the hanger by the washer and nuts, as clearly indicated in the drawings. This arrangem ent is duplicated at the other axle, which has .been omitted from the View for convenience,

and it affords afree pivot or swivel joint, allowing the yoke or hanger and the frame all the necessary swinging freedom. In both of the above-referred-to constructions the motor 13, which is fulcrumed on the driven axle 7, as will be hereinafter described, is not at tached to the yoke or hanger in order to permit the motor to tilt in the vertical on its fulcrum, though these two parts may be bolted together, if preferred, in which case the motor could not tilt.

In the construction shown in Figs. 7 and 8 the yoke 11 is constructed so as to yield on itself in order not to present a rigid resistance to the tilting movement of the motor 13 011 its fulcrum. This yoke consists in a pair of suitably-spaced arms swung freely from the axle 7, and each formed with an enlarged transverse perforation 28, through which extends a rod 29, which has its ends secured in a bracket 30, bolted securely to the connecting cross-bar 31 at points directly beneath the arms. Upon each rod 29, and at opposite sides of the arms, is arranged a spring 32, which engages with one end the arm and with the other the bracket 30. Thus these swinging arms support the cross-bar 31 through means of the bars 29 and brackets 30. The springs 32 act to oppose the swinging of the arms, as is clear from the illustrations.

In all the construction shown and described, the motor-supporting frame 10 is swung to the running-gear, so that the frame and the axles may swing or swivel laterally relatively to each other. If the frame should be inclined from one axle to the other, all the necessary functions would still be fulfilled, for the swinging parts could nevertheless swing laterally.

No especial form of supporting-frame is required, and there are many well-known ways of swiveling or pivoting that maybe adopted in swinging the frame to the runninggear. In Figs. 1 and 2 the supporting-frame 10 is a flat four-sided structure with a straight projection at each end, by which the frame is pivoted to the yokes 11. In Fig. 3 the frame is extended beyond the axles and is suitably braced to support the extra motors therein shown, and as will be readily seen it is free to swivel on the yokes 11, to which it is swung by the pins 12. In Figs. 5 to 9, inclusive, the supporting-frame 10 is shown as consisting in a single member swung between the yokes or hangers 11, and in the latter figure this member is compressible endwise, being composed of the sleeve or tube 33, havingachamber 34 at each end. \Vithin each end of the sleeve slides a connecting-rod 35, the outer end of each of which is pivoted to the yokes 11 by the pins 12. with a pair of oppositely-acting springs 36, which lie within the chamber 34, with one end abutting against an end of the chamber while the other end engages a fixed piece or collar 37 on the rod. Obviouslythese springs will actuate the rods in two ways. The stops 38 on each rod serve to limit the inward movement of the same. The collapsible feature of this frame is designed to permit the free movements in the vertical of the motor 13, which is attached rigidly to the connected yoke 11. Any kind of motor may be employed, and it may be disposed in any suitable operative position. The motorshaft may be placed at rightangles to the driven axle, as is the arrangement in some constructions now in use; or it may be parallel with the axle, as I have preferred to show it. The motor responds to the swiveling motions of its driven axle. At the same time itisin part supported by the swinging frame, so as to be capable of shifting thereon in following the movements of the axle. In the constructions shown the motor 13 is fulcrumed on the axle 7and the motion of its shaft 14, which is journaled in the bearings 15 15, mounted on the axle 7, is communicated to the axle through means of the pinion 16, located on the motor- Each rod 35 is provided inthe bearings 15, and the gear 19, which is fast onthe axle. This gearing of the motor is not my invention and I make no claim to the same, it being a well-known form which I have merely used for convenience in illustratin g the application of the invention, which manifestly is dependent upon no particular character of gearing. The axle of course turns freely in the bearings or arms of the motor, which is rigidly held in parallel relation to the axle, though it can oscillate about the same as an axis. The motor being fulcrumed on the driven axle, it is permitted to freely tiltthereon in the vertical, and bein g secured to the axle by the rigid bearings 15, it is compelled to respond to the swiveling movements of the axle in moving on a curve. To allow for either or both of these movements, the, motor mnstbe movably connected to the swinging supporting-frame 10. This may be provided for by any preferred suitable sliding or yielding connecting means, and many simple ways will suggest themselves for this purpose.

In Figs. 1, 2, and 3 the movable connection 23, intermediate the motor and the frame 10, consists in a spring-tongue secured to the motor 13 and having its free end taking into the mouth or slot 25, formed in the crosspiece 24 of the frame. The mouth isconsiderably larger than the engaging-tongue to give the same ample play therein. In Fig. 4 this movable connection 23 is in the form of a spiral spring, one end of which is made fast to the supporting-frame 10, while the other end is connected to the motor through a device similar to what is shown in Figs. 1, 2, and

3. In Figs. 5 and 9 this .connection 23 consists in a spiral spring placed between the frame and motor and held in operative position at each end by a stud projecting from the motor and frame, respectively, into the interior of the spiral, as the drawings clearly show. In Fig. 7,I show this connection 23 as composed of an upright bar, hinged by its foot to the supporting-frame 10 and passing through an enlarged eye formed in a projection from the motor: Near each end of this hinged bar is fixed anutor plate, andaspring is placed 011 the bar between each nut and the projection from thefmotor. The construction and operations of this will be fully understood from the drawings. All of these de scribed connections 23 will permit a freedom of movement of the motor onits fulcrum.

The motors 13, in the constructions shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6, are disconnectedfrom the yoke or hanger 11,and can ride freely on the axle in an obvious manner, The construetions in Figs. 7, 8, and} have the motors secured rigidly to the yokesll bymeans of bolts 39, and the .movement of the motor on its fulcrum has to be allowed foreit-her in the yokes or in the supporting frame. In

, Figs, 7,8, and 9, I show 110w both of theseeffects can be obtained, It will be evident fromthe drawings that when in thearrangement in Figs. 8 and 9 the motor 13 moves on its fulcrum in the vertical, such movement will be fully allowed for in the yoke, which willreadily yield, while .in Fig. 9, W11ere the' yoke isrigid, the supporting-frame 10 will collapse andbe extended under suchmove- 'ments of the motor.

structions there are interposed springs brought into play upon each side of the ful- In these two latter concrum-point of the motor, which affords a superior yielding or spring mounting for the motor. In the constructions wherein the spring 23 is fastened between the motor and frame,-

it is evident that as the motor is shifted laterally the connecting-spring will be thrown into inclinedposition, and itwill assume an upright position upon the motors returning to normal position. If preferred, when a sliding connection is used betweenthe motor and frame, an anti-friction roller may be employed to render the action easier.

By virtue of the movable connection between the motor and the frame 10, the motorshaft 14 has an up-and-down motion, which permits the pinion 16 thereof to have a slight translatory movement 011 j the intermediate pinion 17. This affords a desirable lead for the gears in picking up the load. of this movement may be as extended as desired-without losing any of the advantages of the invention. r Y

There it is desired to gear a motor to each side of the axle, the-supporting-frame10is to be extended beyond the axles inany suitable manner, as before alluded to, and the bearings 15 15 are preferably ext-ended to each side of the axles and the additional motor 13 monn ted thereon so as to counterbalance with its fellow motor, as shown in Fig. 7 v a I To give more clearance beneath the car, if desired, the yokes or hangers 11 maybe carried up over the axles 7 instead of depending beneath them, and the swinging supportingframe l0 may be disposed above the motors 13, which of course would be movably connected to the supporting-frame for the purpose hereinbefore described. V

In employing the invention withthe ordinary swiveled or pivoted trucks, which turn I on a vertical king-pin of the running-gear, the swinging supporting-frame for the mot-oris'tohave its pivotal axis coincident with the pivotal axis of the truck, though, if preferred, the king-pin may also serve as the swivel-pin for the frame in an evidentmanner; or,'if desired, each pivoted truck may have anindividual swinging supporting-frame swiveled to the king-pin of the running-gear. This adaptation of my invention to pivoted truckswill be readily understood by those familiar with the art, and though the broad claims herewith made byme fully contemplate and cover such constructions, I do not herewith specifically claim the same,-but hereby. re-

serve the right to do so inanother application.

The range The action of the apparatus in taking a curve will be easily understood. On a straight track it may be considered that the axles are parallel to each other. As the wheels move on a curve the axles are thrown out of parallel and swivel on vertical axes, which in the present constructions are coincident with the swivel-pins 12. The motor being fulcrumed on the driven axle against movement toward or away from the same, it follows the swiveling movements thereof, which it is permitted to do by virtue of the swinging supportingframe 10 and the movable connection 23 intermediate the same and the motor, and the motor and supporting-frame shift relatively to each other. The motor supporting-frame 10 will respond exactly to the lateral movements of the body of thevehiele.

The important advantages of the invention are that the axles or trucks may have an extended swiveling or oscillating motion about a vertical axis, thereby decreasing the resistance of the wheels in moving over a curve and allowingalongerwheel-base. The motor is permitted to readily respond to the movements of the driven axle without any possibility of deranging or straining the gearing. An efficient and convenient supporting means is afforded the motor. Any character of pedestals may be used. The motor is sustained entirely independently of the locomotor or car-body, so that it cannot be disturbed by the weight on the body or the motions thereof. Several motors may be employed and each will possess all the described advantages of the invention.

I wish to be understood as not confining myself to the precise constructions herewith shown, for the scope of the invention will manifestly permit of many modifications in the same.

Having thus described my improvements in locomotors, what I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. In an electric locomotor, the combination of the running-gear of the vehicle and a motor-supporting frame swung to the running gear appropriately to allow the axles or trucks thereof and said supporting-frame to swing or turn relatively to each other in taking a curve, for the purpose set forth.

2. In an electric locomotor, the combination of the running-gear of the vehicle and a motor-supporting frame pivoted to the runninggear appropriately to allow the axles or trucks thereof and the said frame to swing laterally relativelyto each other in taking a curve, for the purpose set forth.

3. In an electric locomotor, the combination of the axles of the vehicle and a motor-supporting frame independently swung from the axles, whereby the axles and frame may turn.

or swivel relatively to each other in rounding a curve, for the purpose set forth.

4. In an electric locomotor, the combination of the running-gear of the vehicle and a motor-supporting frame swung thereto appropriately to allow the trucks or axles of the running-gear and said supporting-frame to swing or swivel relatively to each other in taking a curve, and a motor secured to and driving an axle of the running-gear and movably connected to and in part sustained by the swinging frame, so that the motor and the supporting-frame may relatively shift, for the purpose set forth.

5. In an electric locomotor, the combination of the running-gear of the vehicle and a motor-supporting frame swung thereto appropriately to allow the trucks or axles of the running-gear and the supporting-frame to swing relatively to each other in taking a curve, and amotor fulcrumed on and drivingan axle of the running-gear and having a limited motion about the axle as an axis, the said motor movably connected to and in part sustained by the supporting-frame, so that the motor and supporting-frame may be independently movable, for the purpose set forth.

6. In an electric locomotor, the combination of the running-gear of the vehicle and a motor-supporting frame swung thereto, so that the axles or trucks and the supporting-frame may swing relatively to each other in moving on a curve, and a motor fulcrumed on and driving an axle of the running-gear and in part sustained thereby, the said motor movably connected to the supporting-frame by yielding means and in part supported thereby, whereby the motor may rise and fall and shift laterally relatively to the frame, for the purpose set forth.

7. In an electric locomotor, the combination, with the axles or trucks of the running-gear having a swiveling or oscillating movement i in the horizontal, of a motor-supporting frame independently swung to the running-gear with the axis about which it swings practically parallel with the swiveling axes of the axles or trucks, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

8. In an electric locomotor, the combination of the axles of the vehicle and a yoke 01- hanger mounted on each axle, a motor-supporting frame hinged or pivoted to the yokes or hangers, so that such parts may relatively swivel, and a motor fulcrumed on and driving one of the axles, said motor movably connected to and in part supported by the supportingframe, for the purpose set forth.

9. In an electric locomotor, the combination of the running-gear of the vehicle, counterbalancing-motors fulcrumed on and driving an axle thereof, a swinging motor-supporting frame mounted upon the runningear, so that the axles or trucks and the supportingframe may swing relatively to each-other in rounding a curve, and the motors movably connected to and in part supported by the supporting-frame, for the purpose set forth.

10. In an electric locomotor, the combination of the running'gear of the vehicle and a swinging motor-supporting frame swung to the running-gear, so that the axles or trucks the frame 10in part supporting said motorthereof and the supporting-frame may turn relatively to each other in taking a curve, a motor fulcrumed on and driving an axle of the vehicle and having a motion aboutthe axle as an axis, and a flexible connection or spring intermediate the motor and frame tending to hold the motor in normal position, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

11. In an electric. locomotor, the combination of an axle of the vehicle and a flexible or jointed yoke or hanger adapted to yield on itself to allow for the movements of the motor on its fulcrum, a motor supporting frame swung to the yoke or hanger, and a motor fulcrumed on and driving the axle, said motor rigidly connected to the yoke or hanger and movably connected to the frame, for the purpose set forth.

12. In an electric locomotor, a yoke for sustaining the swinging motor-supporting frame, consisting in a pair of. arms swung from the axle and. each formed with a perforation, a

rod passing loosely through each perforation 15. In an electric locomotor, the combination of the axles of the vehicle and a yoke or hanger swung upon each axle, a collapsible motor-supporting frame pivoted intermediate theyokes orhangers andprovided with springs for opposing the collapsing of the frame and also restoring it to its normal condition, and a motor fulcrumed on and driving one of the axles, said motor rigidly connected to theyokes or hangers and movably connected to the sup porting-frame,whereby the movements of the -motor on its fulcrum may be allowed for in the frame, substantially as and for the purpose described.

16. In an electric locomotor, a swinging collapsible motor-supporting frame consisting in a member having at each end a two-way spring-actuated rod by which the frame is pivoted to the running-gear, for the purpose set forth.

17. In an electric locomotor, the combination, with the running-gear and a motor se-' cured to and driving an axle thereof, of a swinging motor supporting .frame-such as and swung to the running-gear, so that the axles and trucks thereof and said frame may swing relatively to each other in rounding a curve, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

18. In an electric locomotor, the combination, with the axles 7 7 and the swinging mo-. tor-supporting frame 10, swung from the axles appropriately to allow the axles 'to swivel or turn relatively thereto, of one or more motors geared to and driving one of the axles and supported partly by the frame 10, said motor or motors and frame being movably connected, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

19. In an electric locomotor, the combination,with the axles 7 7 and the yokes or hangers 11 11, mounted thereon, of the frame 10,

swung to said yokes or hangers, whereby the axles may swivel or oscillate on the frameindependently and practically in the horizontal,

substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

20. In an electric locomotor, the combination of the axles 7 7 and the motor-supporting frame 10, swung intermediate the axles, so that they may independently turn about a practically-vertical axis, one or more motors such as the motors 13geared to an axle and fulcrumed thereon by bearings such as the bearings 15holdin g the motor against movement toward or away from the axle, and the motor or motors connected to the frame 10, so that the motor or motors and the frame may be independently movable, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

21. In an electric locomotor, the combinamotor-supporting framesuch as the. frame lO-swung thereto, so that the axles or trucks and the supportingframe may turn .or swmg relatively to each other, and a motor fulcru m ed on and driving an axle 7 of the vehicle and connected to said supporting-frame by the movable oryielding connection 23, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

22. In an electric locomotor, the combination of the axles 7 7, mounted in pedestals 8 8, and having lateral play therein, the yokes or hangers 11 11, mounted upon the axles, the swinging motor-supporting frame 10, swiveled to the yokes or hangers by the pins-12, the

motor 13, geared to an axle 7, and secured thereto by the bearings 15, and the connection -23,intermediate themotorand frame, whereby the motor and frame may be independently movable, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

' tion of the running-gear of the vehicle and a 23. The combination, with a vehicle, of ay 1 motor therefor mounted at one end upon an axle of the car or vehicle and. freely supported at its other end .on the car-truck by parts free to move with relation to one another in a horizontal plane, for the purpose de scribed.

24:. The combination,with a railway-car, of a propelling-motor therefor carried at one end by supports sleeved-on an axle of the vehicle and sustained at the other end by a sliding support free to move in any direction in a horizontal plane.

1 25. The combination, with a railway caror vehicle, of a propelling-motor therefor having two points of support, one of which is a sleeve upon the car-axle, while the other is a sliding I support adapted to slide freely in the direction of movement of the car or vehicle.

26. The combination, with an electric-railway car, of a propelling electric motor therefor supported at one end upon the axle of the vehicle and borne at its other end by an elastically-sustained sliding support, for the purpose described.

27. The combination, with an electric-railway motor mounted at one end upon the caraxle, of a projection extending from the motor or frame thereof at the opposite end and the horizontal bar or support upon which said projection rests freely, so as to be capable of horizontal movement with relation to such bar.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this 28th day of November, 1888, in the presence of the two subscribing witnesses.

GEO. \V. MANSFIELD. [L. s.]

Witnesses:

LOUIS J. MAYO, II. B. PRINDLE. 

